Fire Pit Rules: Ontario vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days override local rules.
View full Ontario rules →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga allows recreational fire pits under the California Fire Code, but foothill properties face stricter restrictions and SCAQMD Rule 445 limits wood burning on winter no-burn days.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Code | CA Fire Code Chapter 3 as adopted | - |
| Setback | 25 feet from structures | - |
| Fuel | Clean seasoned wood or gas only | - |
| Attendance | Adult with extinguisher required | - |
| Air quality | SCAQMD no-burn days override | - |
| Setback from structures | - | Minimum 10 feet per California Fire Code Sec. 307 |
| Foothill restrictions | - | Stricter rules in VHFHSZ (Etiwanda, north of Banyan) |
| Air quality check | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to end of February |
| Approved fuel | - | Commercial firewood, propane, natural gas, Rule 445 logs |
| Enforcement | - | Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, (909) 477-2770 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in my Ontario backyard?
Yes, if it burns only clean seasoned wood, stays 25 feet from structures, is attended by an adult, and is not used on a SCAQMD no-burn day.
Do propane fire pits have the same setback?
Listed gas appliances can sit closer per the manufacturer instructions, typically as little as a few feet from combustibles.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in Etiwanda or the northside foothills?
Only on non-red-flag days outside of SCAQMD no-burn alerts. Gas fire pits are strongly preferred in VHFHSZ areas and RCFPD can prohibit open flames during high wind events.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is needed for standard portable or masonry pits used recreationally, but gas fire features connected to a gas line require a plumbing permit from Building and Safety.
Who responds to nuisance smoke complaints?
Call Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District for active fire hazards and Code Enforcement at (909) 477-2700 for recurring smoke nuisance complaints.
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